Buccaneers Elevate Ifeatu Melifonwu for Week 3

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced they will elevate veteran safety Ifeatu Melifonwu for Week 3.

Melifonwu, 27, is the brother of veteran safety Obi Melifonwu. He was a two-year starter at Syracuse.

Melifonwu earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2020. The Detroit Lions selected him with the No. 101 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Melifonwu’s NFL Career

Melifonwu signed a four-year rookie contract worth $4,785,850. The deal included an $840,618 signing bonus.

He earned a $1.192 million base salary during the 2024 season. Melifonwu then signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Miami Dolphins.

The Buccaneers signed Melifonwu in July. He was later added to Tampa Bay’s practice squad.

Melifonwu’s 2026 Season

Melifonwu has appeared in two games for Tampa Bay this season. He has not recorded any statistics.

His elevation gives the Buccaneers another veteran safety option for Week 3. Tampa Bay hosts the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.